Multivariate analysis of herd structure and genetic resource indicators in seedstock beef cattle herds.

Genetic, environmental, technological and financial resources are used differently in cattle herds that participate in the same breeding programme. The percentages of calves sired by sires within their own herd or from external herds vary across herds, as do the intensities of use of reproductive biotechnologies. These divergences may be related to differences in the indicators of genetic performance for economic traits. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to herd structure and genetic resource utilization that exert the greatest influence on the genetic merit of seedstock herds within a Nellore breeding programme. The database comprised 21 factors, along with genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) for growth, reproductive and carcass traits, as well as a selection index of animals from 128 herds. By combining principal component analysis and cluster analysis, we were able to group the herds. We identified statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean values of the factors, GE-EPDs and genetic trends among the groups of herds. Differences in the percentage of sires from external herds and in sire age between the groups of herds were the factors most associated with differences in mean GE-EPDs and genetic trends. Using young sires from other herds or lineages is an effective strategy in animal breeding. By enhancing genetic variability, this approach does not only improve the genetic quality of herds but also accelerates genetic progress in desired traits over time. Therefore, to ensure the success of this strategy, it is crucial that seedstock herds undergo a thorough selection process aimed at maximizing the genetic potential of future generations of beef cattle.

Evaluation of the Effects of Extracts Containing Valeriana officinalis and Piper methysticum on the Activities of Cytochrome P450 3A and P-Glycoprotein.

This work investigated interactions ascribed to the administration of phytomedicines containing Valeriana officinalis and Piper methysticum with conventional drugs. The phytomedicines were characterized by HPLC and administered per os to male Wistar rats, either concomitantly or not with the CYP3A substrate midazolam. To distinguish between the presystemic or systemic effect, midazolam was given orally and intravenously. The effects on the P-gp substrate fexofenadine uptake by Caco-2 cells were examined. The valerenic acid content was 1.6 ± 0.1 mg per tablet, whereas kavain was 13.7 ± 0.3 mg/capsule. Valerian and kava-kava extracts increased the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of midazolam 2- and 4-fold compared to the control, respectively. The area under the plasma concentrations versus time curve (AUC(0-∞)) was enhanced from 994.3 ± 152.3 ng.h/mL (control) to 3041 ± 398 ng.h/mL (valerian) and 4139 ± 373 ng.h/mL (kava-kava). The half-life of midazolam was not affected. These changes were attributed to the inhibition of midazolam metabolism by the enteric CYP3A since the i. v. pharmacokinetic of midazolam remained unchanged. The kava-kava extract augmented the uptake of fexofenadine by 3.5-fold compared to the control. Although Valeriana increased the uptake of fexofenadine, it was not statistically significant to that of the control (12.5 ± 3.7 ng/mg protein vs. 5.4 ± 0.3 ng/mg protein, respectively). Therefore, phytomedicines containing V. officinalis or P. methysticum inhibited the intestinal metabolism of midazolam in rats. Conversely, the P-gp-mediated transport of fexofenadine was preferably affected by kava-kava.

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs): Assessment of health and dietary risk in the consumption of Plagioscion squamosissimus in one of the largest rivers in a semi-arid region (Rio São Francisco, Brazil).

The São Francisco River, significant in semi-arid areas, faces impacts from hydroelectric plants and agricultural pesticides. Despite extensive research on its aquatic life, especially fish reproductive biology, there's a notable lack of studies on toxicity and its human health implications. This gap highlights the need for targeted research in this vital ecological zone. Consequently, this study aimed to scrutinize the concentrations of Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs), including Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs), pyrethroid pesticides (PPs), triazine pesticides (TPs), and Organophosphorus Pesticides (OPPs) in the water, sediment, and fish (Plagioscion squamosissimus). The findings revealed the presence of all compound classes in sediment, albeit in limited quantities in water. Biotic components exhibited higher concentrations in nerve tissue, followed by the liver and muscle, indicative of a bioaccumulation trend. It is noteworthy that more concerning levels were observed in both water and sediments. In particular, Fenvalerate in water and Prometon in sediments demonstrated the highest Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) values. While for non-carcinogenic effects and Cancer Risk (CR), the parameters were calculated and all classified in the areas of acceptable or insignificant according to chemical safety agencies. However, the compounds under scrutiny demand vigilant attention, given their nearly ubiquitous presence across various matrices and demonstrated bioaccumulative capacity, potentially posing future repercussions for human health.

Exercise Improves Respiratory Function, Body Fluid and Nitric Oxide in Hemodialysis Patients.

Emerging evidence suggests that resistance training (RT) can mitigate respiratory muscle weakness in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for these beneficial effects remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of periodized RT on respiratory muscle strength and its relationship with handgrip strength (HGS), fat-free mass (FFM), nitric oxide (NO), and interdialytic weight gain (IWG) in HD patients. Thirty-three patients were randomly assigned to two groups: control (CTL; n=18) and RT (n=15). The RT group did not perform any additional exercise training specific to the respiratory tract. Maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressures, peak expiratory flow (PEF), HGS, FFM, NO, and IWG were measured before and after the intervention period. Participants in the RT group engaged in a 24-week RT program, three times per week. RT resulted in significant improvements in MIP, MEP, PEF, as well as enhancements in HGS, FFM, NO, and IWG (p<0.05). Notably, inverse correlations were observed between MIP (r=-0.37, p=0.03) and PEF (r=-0.4, p=0.02) with IWG. Thus, the amelioration of HGS and FFM coincided with a reduction in respiratory muscle weakness among HD patients. Decreased IWG and increased circulating NO are plausible mechanisms contributing to these improvements.

Nonlinear hydrological time series modeling to forecast river level dynamics in the Rio Negro Uruguay basin.

Floods significantly impact the well-being and development of communities. Hence, understanding their causes and establishing methodologies for risk prevention is a critical challenge for effective warning systems. Complex systems such as hydrological basins are modeled through hydrological models that have been utilized to understand water recharge of aquifers, available volume of dams, and floods in diverse regions. Acquiring real-time hydrometeorological data from basins and rivers is vital for establishing data-driven-based models as tools for the prediction of river-level dynamics and for understanding its nonlinear behavior. This paper introduces a hydrological model based on a multilayer perceptron neural network as a useful tool for time series modeling and forecasting river levels in three stations of the Rio Negro basin in Uruguay. Daily time series of river levels and rainfall serve as the input data for the model. The assessment of the models is based on metrics such as the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient, the root mean square error, percent bias, and volumetric efficiency. The outputs exhibit varying model performance and accuracy during the prediction period across different sub-basin scales, revealing the neural network's ability to learn river dynamics. Lagged time series analysis demonstrates the potential for chaos in river-level time series over extended time periods, mainly when predicting dam-related scenarios, which shows physical connections between the dynamical system and the data-based model such as the evolution of the system over time.

Long-term ayahuasca use is associated with preserved global cognitive function and improved memory: a cross-sectional study with ritual users.

Although several studies have been conducted to elucidate the relationship between psychedelic consumption and cognition, few have focused on understanding the long-term use influence of these substances on these variables, especially in ritualistic contexts.  To verify the influence of ritualistic ayahuasca consumption on the cognition of experienced ayahuasca religious users (> 20 years) and beginners (< 3 years), which participated in rituals of the Centro Luz Divina (CLD), a Santo Daime church in Brazil. Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was carried out in which 48 people participated divided into three groups: (a) experienced ayahuasca users (n = 16), (b) beginner ayahuasca users (n = 16) and (c) control group (n = 16). All groups were matched by sex, age, and education and contained 8 women and 8 men. Cognition was assessed with the WASI (intelligence quotient), Digit Span (verbal working memory), Corsi Block-Tapping Task (visuospatial-related and working memory), Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test (visual perception, immediate memory), and Wisconsin Card Sorting and Five Digit Test (executive functions). Groups were homogenous in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, with participants presenting average intellectual performance. There was no evidence of cognitive decline amongst ayahuasca users. The experienced group showed higher scores compared to the less experienced group in the Digit Span and Corsi Block-Tapping tasks, which assess working verbal and visuospatial memories respectively. We confirmed the botanical identities of Psychotria viridis and Banisteriopsis caapi and the presence of the alkaloids both in the plants and in the brew. Short and long-term ayahuasca consumption does not seem to alter human cognition, while long-term use seems to be associated with improvements in aspects of working memory when compared with short-term use.

Effects of a Single Dose of Ayahuasca in College Students With Harmful Alcohol Use: A Single-blind, Feasibility, Proof-of-Concept Trial.

BACKGROUND: Ayahuasca is a South American plant hallucinogen rich in the psychedelic N,N-dimethyltryptamine and ß-carbolines (mainly harmine). Preclinical and observational studies suggest that ayahuasca exerts beneficial effects in substance use disorders, but these potentials were never assessed in a clinical trial. METHODS: Single-center, single-blind, feasibility, proof-of-concept study, assessing the effects of one dose of ayahuasca accompanied by psychological support (without psychotherapy) on the drinking patterns (primary variable) of 11 college students with harmful alcohol consumption. Secondary variables included safety and tolerability, craving, personality, anxiety, impulsivity, self-esteem, and social cognition. FINDINGS: Ayahuasca was well tolerated (no serious adverse reactions were observed), while producing significant psychoactive effects. Significant reductions in days per week of alcohol consumption were found between weeks 2 and 3 (2.90 ± 0.28 vs 2.09 ± 0.41; P < 0.05, uncorrected), which were not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. There were no statistically significant effects for other variables, except for a significant reduction in reaction time in an empathy task. CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in days of alcohol consumption was observed 2-3 weeks after ayahuasca intake, but this effect did not survive after Bonferroni correction. The lack of significant effects in alcohol use and other variables may be related to the small sample size and mild/moderate alcohol use at baseline. The present study shows the feasibility of our protocol, paving the way for future larger, controlled studies.

A covid-19 e a reorganização do processo de trabalho do enfermeiro na atenção primária à saúde / Covid-19 and the reorganization of the nurse's work process in primary health care / Covid-19 y la reorganización del proceso de trabajo de la enfermería en la atención primaria de salud

Objetivo: descrever a experiência da reorganização do processo de trabalho de enfermeiros que atuam na Atenção Primária à Saúde no enfrentamento da covid-19, no município de João Pessoa - Paraíba. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido com um total de 15 enfermeiras atuantes no município de João Pessoa com idade entre 41 e 67 anos (média de 56 anos) e com tempo médio de 12 anos e 8 meses de atuação na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Resultados: foram evidenciados um campo amplo de alterações na dinâmica das Unidades Básicas de Saúde devido a pandemia, dentre elas, modificações no processo de trabalho da equipe, a estagnação das atividades coletivas, como também a implementação de ações destinadas para a covid-19. Conclusão: As experiências relatadas das participantes do estudo ressaltam o grande impacto que a pandemia trouxe para o cotidiano de uma equipe de Atenção Básica, sendo fundamental o fortalecimento da atenção primária à saúde, com recursos financeiros, incentivo e qualificação profissional, garantindo uma maior adequação da nova realidade vivida, a fim de garantir continuidade do cuidado. (AU)

Objective: to describe the experience of the reorganization of the work process of nurses who work in Primary Health Care in the face of covid-19, in the city of João Pessoa - Paraíba. Methods: This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, developed with a total of 15 nurses working in the city of João Pessoa aged between 41 and 67 years (average of 56 years) and with an average time of 12 years and 8 months of performance in the Family Health Strategy. Results: a wide field of changes in the dynamics of Basic Health Units due to the pandemic were evidenced, among them, changes in the team's work process, the stagnation of collective activities, as well as the implementation of actions aimed at covid-19. Conclusion: The reported experiences of the study participants highlight the great impact that the pandemic has brought to the daily life of a Primary Care team, making it essential to strengthen primary health care, with financial resources, incentives and professional qualification, ensuring greater adequacy. of the new lived reality, in order to guarantee continuity of care. (AU)

Objetivo: describir la experiencia de la reorganización del proceso de trabajo de los enfermeros que actúan en la Atención Primaria de Salud frente a la covid-19, en la ciudad de João Pessoa - Paraíba. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo, desarrollado con un total de 15 enfermeros que actúan en la ciudad de João Pessoa con edades entre 41 y 67 años (promedio de 56 años) y con tiempo promedio de 12 años y 8 meses de vida. desempeño en la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia. Resultados: Se evidenció un amplio campo de cambios en la dinámica de las Unidades Básicas de Salud debido a la pandemia, entre ellos, cambios en el proceso de trabajo del equipo, el estancamiento de las actividades colectivas, así como la implementación de acciones dirigidas a la covid-19. Conclusión: Las experiencias relatadas por los participantes del estudio resaltan el gran impacto que la pandemia trajo para el cotidiano de un equipo de Atención Primaria, siendo imprescindible fortalecer la atención primaria de salud, con recursos económicos, incentivos y calificación profesional, asegurando una mayor adecuación. de la nueva realidad vivida, para garantizar la continuidad de la atención. (AU)

Concerns about the application of resistance exercise with blood-flow restriction and thrombosis risk in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis (HD) per se is a risk factor for thrombosis. Considering the growing body of evidence on blood-flow restriction (BFR) exercise in HD patients, identification of possible risk factors related to the prothrombotic agent D-dimer is required for the safety and feasibility of this training model. The aim of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with higher D-dimer levels and to determine the acute effect of resistance exercise (RE) with BFR on this molecule. METHODS: Two hundred and six HD patients volunteered for this study (all with a glomerular filtration rate of <15 mL/min/1.73 m2). The RE + BFR session consisted of 50% arterial occlusion pressure during 50 min sessions of HD (intradialytic exercise). RE repetitions included concentric and eccentric lifting phases (each lasting 2 s) and were supervised by a strength and conditioning specialist. RESULTS: Several variables were associated with elevated levels of D-dimer, including higher blood glucose, citrate use, recent cardiovascular events, recent intercurrents, higher inflammatory status, catheter as vascular access, older patients (>70 years old), and HD vintage. Furthermore, RE + BFR significantly increases D-dimer after 4 h. Patients with borderline baseline D-dimer levels (400-490 ng/mL) displayed increased risk of elevating D-dimer over the normal range (≥500 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: These results identified factors associated with a heightened prothrombotic state and may assist in the screening process for HD patients who wish to undergo RE + BFR. D-dimer and/or other fibrinolysis factors should be assessed at baseline and throughout the protocol as a precautionary measure to maximize safety during RE + BFR.

Ayahuasca-enhanced extinction of fear behaviour: Role of infralimbic cortex 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ayahuasca (AYA) is a botanical psychedelic with promising results in observational and small clinical trials for depression, trauma and drug use disorders. Its psychoactive effects primarily stem from N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). However, there is a lack of research on how and where AYA acts in the brain. This study addressed these questions by examining the extinction of aversive memories in AYA-treated rats. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We focused on the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors, as DMT exhibits a high affinity for both of them, along with the infralimbic cortex in which activity and plasticity play crucial roles in regulating the mnemonic process under analysis. KEY RESULTS: A single oral treatment with AYA containing 0.3 mg·kg-1 of DMT increased the within-session extinction of contextual freezing behaviour without affecting its recall. This protocol, when repeated twice on consecutive days, enhanced extinction recall. These effects were consistent for both 1- and 21-day-old memories in males and females. AYA effects on fear extinction were independent of changes in anxiety and general exploratory activity: AYA- and vehicle-treated animals showed no differences when tested in the elevated plus-maze. The 5-HT2A receptor antagonist MDL-11,939 and the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 infused into the infralimbic cortex respectively blocked within- and between-session fear extinction effects resulting from repeated oral administration of AYA. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Our findings highlight complementary mechanisms by which AYA facilitates the behavioural suppression of aversive memories in the rat infralimbic cortex. These results suggest potential beneficial effects of AYA or DMT in stress-related disorders.

Exploring the impact of short daily haemodialysis on muscle strength and bone health in end-stage kidney disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Short-daily haemodialysis (SDH) has been strongly recommended over conventional haemodialysis (CHD) for end-stage kidney disease patients, though few studies have directly compared the effects of these two haemodialysis (HD) modalities on clinical variables related to patient's health. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in individuals undergoing HD, comparing epidemiological, clinical, metabolic, inflammatory, anthropometric, bone health/metabolism, and skeletal muscle function according to dialysis modality. One-hundred seventy-eight patients (20.8% females, 62 ± 2.5 years old), were analysed in this study, 86 (48%) of whom were undergoing CHD versus 92 (51%) who were undergoing SDH. RESULTS: SDH patients had significantly higher serum albumin levels (3.93 vs. 3.66 g/dL, P < 0.0001) and higher Kt/v (2.6 vs. 2.38, P < 0.0001). SDH group presented a significantly lower number of erythropoietin-stimulating agents compared with CHD group (percentage: 53.3 vs. 83.7%, P < 0.0001) and had lower levels of serum phosphate (4.9 vs. 5.3 mg/dL, P = 0.004) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (398.4 vs. 480.4 pg/mL, P < 0.001) compared with CHD patients. In terms of bone health and metabolism, SDH patients had significantly higher total BMD, femur BMD, lumbar BMD, and femoral neck BMD compared with CHD patients (all P < 0.05). SDH patients also had lower anti-osteogenic and inflammatory biomarkers, including FGF23, sclerostin, TNF, IL-18, IL-17a, and C-reactive peptide (all P < 0.05). CHD modality was demonstrated to be a risk factor for low BMD (odds ratio: 4.02; 95% CI: 1.59-10.2, P = 0.003). In terms of skeletal muscle function, SDH patients had significantly higher 6-minute walking test (444.6 vs. 424.9 m, P = 0.04) and higher fat-free mass (52.3 vs. 51.68 kg, P = 0.02) compared with CHD patients. Higher fat-free mass and handgrip strength were associated with a 34% and 23% lower risk of low BMD, respectively. SDH patients had lower levels of the uremic toxin asymmetric dimethyl-l-arginine (ADMA) (1.8 vs. 2.07 µM, P = 0.002) and fasting blood glucose (132.6 vs. 141.7 mg/dL, P < 0.02) than CHD group. SDH patients also displayed higher levels of haemoglobin when compared with CHD group (11.9 vs. 10.2 g/dL, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study improves our understanding of the relationship between dialysis modality and clinical variables that may influence HD patient's health. Grip strength and lean mass were positively correlated with bone mineral density in HD patients regardless of dialysis modality. SDH was associated with better bone mineral density, inflammatory profile, and skeletal muscle function when compared with CHD patients. These findings provide more evidence of the clinical benefits of SDH that should be explored in greater detail.

Effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia versus perineal blocks in hemorroidectomy and anal fistula surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: Ultra-low-dose Spinal Anesthesia (SA) is the practice of employing minimal doses of intrathecal agents so that only the roots that supply a specific area are anesthetized. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia with that of Perineal Blocks (PB). Methods: A two-arm, parallel, double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing two anesthetic techniques (SA and PB) for hemorrhoidectomy and anal fistula surgery was performed. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain, complementation and/or conversion of anesthesia, and hemodynamic changes. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. The mean pain values were similar in the first 48 h in both groups (p > 0.05). The individuals allocated to the SA group did not need anesthetic complementation; however, those in the PB group required it considerably (SA group, 0% vs. PB group, 25%; p = 0.005). Hemodynamic changes were more pronounced after PB: during all surgical times, the PB group showed lower MAP values and higher HR values (p < 0.05). Postoperative urinary retention rates were similar between both groups (SA group 0% vs. PB group 3.1%, p = 0.354). Conclusion: SA and PB are similarly effective in pain control during the first 48 h after hemorrhoidec-tomy and anal fistula surgery. Although surgical time was shorter among patients in the PB group, the SA technique may be preferable as it avoids the need for additional anesthesia. Furthermore, the group that received perineal blocks was under sedation with a considerable dose of propofol.

Notificação de violências interpessoais contra lésbicas, gays, bissexuais e transgêneros (LGBT) nos serviços de saúde do estado do Paraná, Brasil (2015-2017) / Notification of interpersonal violence against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) in healthcare settings in the state of Paraná, Brazil (2015-2017)

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar as notificações de violência interpessoal (VIP) contra lésbicas, gays, bissexuais e transgêneros (LGBT) registradas no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) no estado do Paraná, durante o período de 2015 a 2017. A abordagem adotada foi de cunho epidemiológico, ecológico e descritivo. Um total de 1.035 notificações de VIP direcionadas à comunidade LGBT foi identificado, prevalecendo principalmente entre pessoas com idades compreendidas entre 30 e 59 anos (33,8%), de cor branca (66,7%), e com nível educacional de ensino fundamental incompleto (35%). A residência se destacou como o principal local de ocorrência, compreendendo 54,6% dos casos, sendo que 55,6% das notificações descreviam violência de natureza física. A maioria dos supostos agressores era do sexo masculino (72,3%) e, em 30,4% das notificações, foram identificados parceiros íntimos como autores prováveis. Geograficamente, a Segunda Regional de Saúde do Paraná contribuiu com 24,7% das notificações, enquanto o município de Curitiba representou 14% delas. Dessa maneira, o estudo em questão desempenha um papel significativo no fortalecimento da vigilância e monitoramento das ocorrências de violência dirigida à população LGBT no estado do Paraná.

This study aimed to characterize the notifications of interpersonal violence (IPV) against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people (LGBT) recorded in the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) in the state of Paraná between 2015 and 2017. The adopted approach was epidemiological, ecological, and descriptive. A total of 1.035 notifications of IPV targeting the LGBT community were identified, mainly prevalent among people aged between 30 and 59 years old (33,8%), white (66,7%), and with incomplete primary education (35%). The victims' home stood out as the place with the most occurrences (54,6%), and 55,6% of the cases were physical violence. Most alleged aggressors were male (72,3%), and in 30,4% of the events, intimate partners were identified as the likely perpetrators. Geographically, the Secondary Health Region of Paraná contributed to 24,7% of the notifications, while the municipality of Curitiba accounted for 14%. Thus, the study in question plays a significant role in strengthening the surveillance and monitoring of incidents of violence against the LGBT population in Paraná.

Development of a bioassay method to test activity of cry insecticidal proteins against Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) sugarcane stem borers.

The genus Diatraea (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) includes stem borers representing the most critical sugarcane pests in the Americas. Colombia's most widely distributed and damaging Diatraea species include Diatraea saccharalis, D. indigenella, D. busckella, and D. tabernella. The reduced efficacy of biological tools commonly used in controlling several species highlights the importance of evaluating alternative management strategies, such as transgenic plants expressing insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The selection of optimal Bt insecticidal proteins for Diatraea control depends on bioassays with purified Bt proteins. Because there is no described artificial diet for borer species other than D. saccharalis and availability of most purified Bt toxins is restricted, this study aimed at developing a bioassay method using fresh corn tissue and providing proof of concept by testing susceptibility to the Cry1Ac insecticidal protein from Bt. Toxicity was evaluated with a single Cry1Ac dose applied directly to corn discs. Stem borer mortality after seven days was higher than 90% for all four tested Diatraea species, while control mortality was below 8%. In addition, we observed that Cry1Ac caused more than 90% weight inhibition in all survivors and delayed development. These results validate the use of this method to determine mortality and growth inhibition due to the consumption of the Cry1Ac protein in each of the Diatraea species. Furthermore, this method could be used to assess other entomopathogenic substances to control these insect pests.

Four single implant-supported crowns replacing the maxillary incisors: A retrospective report of 10 cases with 2-9 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case series aimed to assess the stability of the papilla around four single crowns supported by narrow-diameter implants replacing all maxillary incisors. Secondary objectives included assessment of marginal bone level stability, incidence of technical and biological complications, and patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with four adjacent implants in maxillary incisor sites, placed with a 3 mm inter-implant distance and rehabilitated with single crowns were included. Retrospective data were obtained from photographs and radiographs taken at the delivery of the prosthesis (baseline-T0). Patients were then recalled (≥2 years after T0) for clinical and radiographic examination (follow-up-T1). Photographs were obtained and patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Papilla height and marginal bone level were compared over time. RESULTS: Data from 10 patients with medium-low smile lines and rehabilitated with 40 implants, in function for 5.4 ± 1.9 years, were analyzed. The papilla height between implants (T0: 2.3 ± 0.9 mm; T1: 2.6 ± 0.7 mm; p = .011) and between tooth and implant (T0: 3.4 ± 0.9 mm; T1: 3.8 ± 0.8 mm; p = .025) increased significantly over the years. The marginal bone level remained stable over time (T0: 0.88 ± 0.57 mm; T1: 0.71 ± 0.67 mm; p = .007). Patients were highly satisfied (97.7 ± 0.3%) with the treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: Within its limitations, this study demonstrated that four single implant-supported crowns placed at maxillary incisor sites may exhibit soft tissue and marginal bone stability over a long period of time. This treatment approach, however, should be restricted to few patients as it requires a proper case selection and skillful execution of all surgical and prosthetic steps.

The relationship of general, physical, and psychological violence with depressive symptoms and cognition in elders (cross-sectional study).

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the relationship of general, physical, and psychological violence with depressive symptoms and cognition in the elderly. METHODS: quantitative, cross-sectional study, carried out with 323 elders from the Brazilian northeast. Data collection used a sociodemographic instrument; the Conflict Tactics Scales Form R; the Geriatric Depression Scale; and the Mini-Mental State Examination. The analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: as violence increases, so do the depressive symptoms; the opposite was true when comparing violence with cognitive involvement. There is a correlation between physical and psychological violence and depressive symptoms; more depressive elders are from 1.96 to 3.00 times more likely to be the victims of psychological and physical violence, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: general, physical, and psychological violence is associated with depressive symptoms; those with less cognitive alterations are more vulnerable to abuse. Elders with depressive symptoms are more likely to suffer psychological and physically violence.

Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET): Validity evidence for the Brazilian population concerning the computer-based (face-to-face) and online versions.

BACKGROUND: The lack of empathy is associated with several psychological and behavioral disorders, and it is important to assess this construct broadly, through multi-methods. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a psychometric analysis of the Brazilian version of the Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET), a computerized task that assesses emotional and cognitive empathy. METHODS: The samples were recruited from the community using the snowball method (phase 1: face-to-face; N = 142) and through social media (phase 2: online; N = 519). The participants completed the MET and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to assess the convergent validity between the instruments. To assess validity with correlated constructs (resilient coping and stress), the Brief Resilient Coping Scale and Perceived Stress Scale were used. A task was also implemented in the face-to-face application to assess facial emotions. The retest was applied 25 days later to a portion of the sample (face-to-face: N = 31; online: N = 102). RESULTS: It was observed adequate test-retest reliability for most items (ICC = 0.49-0.98), satisfactory infit and outfit indexes, discriminatory ability between sexes, weak convergent validity with empathy measures (r = 0.17-0.36), and correlate constructs (r = 0.12-0.46). MET presented good psychometric indicators, confirming its use in face-to-face/computer-based and online formats in clinical and research contexts. However, weaknesses were found regarding the cognitive subscale, demanding future studies to address larger samples to enable more robust conclusions concerning its adequacy. Further research on the instrument's internal structure can also contribute to its improvement.

Goldmann Applanation Tonometry: Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Values Obtained with Disposable Tip and Conventional Applanation Prism in the Population without Clinical Signs of Glaucoma.

Aim: Comparing intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using Goldmann applanation prism and TonoSafe® in the population without signs of glaucoma. Material and methods: Patients with no ocular pathologies, except ametropia (until ± 4 D) or IOP of <30 mm Hg without signs of glaucoma by optic disc structural analysis by fundus biomicroscopy. The IOP was measured sequentially using the traditional cone and the TonoSafe®, according to a randomization list to determine which device would be used first. The measurements from the right and left eyes were compared separately. Since there was no statistical difference, both eyes were considered in this study. Results: A total of 385 eyes of 194 patients with a mean age of 66.4 ± 11.2 years old were included. The mean IOP with conventional prism was 14.2 ± 3.6 and 14.3 ± 3.6 mm Hg with TonoSafe®. Differences were not statistically significant by the Wilcoxon test (p = 0.3). The median was 14.0 mm Hg for both groups. The mean difference between measurements was 0.04 mm Hg, with the median equal to zero. There was no statistical difference in IOP readings according to which device was the first measurement. Conclusion: No statistical difference was found in IOP was measured with conventional prism or TonoSafe® in the population without signs of glaucoma. Clinical significance: The data provided by our study support the efficacy and safety of the disposable tonometer compared to the Goldman tonometer in measuring IOP in patients without glaucoma. How to cite this article: Soares PHA, Santos RDO, Filho CRADM, et al. Goldmann Applanation Tonometry: Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Values Obtained with Disposable Tip and Conventional Applanation Prism in the Population without Clinical Signs of Glaucoma. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(2):75-78.

Effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia versus perineal blocks in hemorroidectomy and anal fistula surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Ultra-low-dose Spinal Anesthesia (SA) is the practice of employing minimal doses of intrathecal agents so that only the roots that supply a specific area are anesthetized. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of ultra-low-dose spinal anesthesia with that of Perineal Blocks (PB). METHODS: A two-arm, parallel, double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing two anesthetic techniques (SA and PB) for hemorrhoidectomy and anal fistula surgery was performed. The primary outcomes were postoperative pain, complementation and/or conversion of anesthesia, and hemodynamic changes. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. The mean pain values were similar in the first 48 h in both groups (p > 0.05). The individuals allocated to the SA group did not need anesthetic complementation; however, those in the PB group required it considerably (SA group, 0% vs. PB group, 25%; p = 0.005). Hemodynamic changes were more pronounced after PB: during all surgical times, the PB group showed lower MAP values and higher HR values (p < 0.05). Postoperative urinary retention rates were similar between both groups (SA group 0% vs. PB group 3.1%, p = 0.354). CONCLUSION: SA and PB are similarly effective in pain control during the first 48 h after hemorrhoidectomy and anal fistula surgery. Although surgical time was shorter among patients in the PB group, the SA technique may be preferable as it avoids the need for additional anesthesia. Furthermore, the group that received perineal blocks was under sedation with a considerable dose of propofol.